We had a reading morning this half-term, where parents could come in and read a story with their children before school.

For the Big Bird Watch 2026 the children had a go at crafting their own binoculars our of toilet roll tubes, string and paint.  Before going out for Forest Friday, we discussed some of the birds we might see whilst we are outside.  The children were particularly interested in the birds that are the names of our classes (although sadly we didn't see any of them).  We also had a go at making our own bird feeders. We took the core out of an apple, so there was a hole big enough to fill with feeder. We mixed some seeds with lard and each of the 3 groups made a feeder which we hung in the field to try and attract some birds to our school.

The children absolutely loved using the apparatus in gymnastics. Each time we got the equipment out we talked through safety considerations.  We thought about where we felt safe climbing to and that each person will feel comfortable at different levels.  

The children in goldfinch class love to support one another!

This half term we have absolutely loved doing arctic themed crafts during self directed learning time.  The children have been up to all sorts of activities  including using 

For world religion day we went on a visit to St Giles Church.  We spoke to the vicar and some other members of staff from the church and learnt lots of key vocabulary. The children had to find 4 things in the church based upon a description of what things looked like and their purpose.  

In our maths enhanced story we read 'room on the broom' and the children all had a go at being the witch.  They had to throw 5 beanbags at the cauldron and see how many landed inside. We then made this into a number sentence to help us understand the composition of 5, e.g. 3 landed in the cauldron 2 did not.

We focussed lots on weight this half-term too, learning vocabulary like lighter and heavier. In a forest Friday session, we found some outdoor objects and put them on a scale to find out which were lighter and which were heavier.

Our whole school took part in the winter booknic, as a way of fundraising for a new school library.  We all came to school in our pyjamas and onesies, and brought our favourite book to school.  Throughout the day we shared our stories, and talked about why they were our favourites. We had a slot in the library which was filled with blankets, cushions and beanbags, and all the children had a hot chocolate and marshmallows whilst we shared our books!